Load-bearing jacket

ABSTRACT

A load-bearing jacket having an integrated tool belt system connected to a jacket. More specifically, an integrated tool belt comprising a plurality of flexible belt straps and a plurality of rigid pieces, each rigid piece paired with a corresponding flexible belt strap to enhance the rigidity of the plurality of flexible belt straps. Each of the plurality of flexible belt straps can have two ends, wherein a first end of each of the plurality of flexible belt straps can be permanently connected to the jacket and a second end of each of the plurality of flexible belt straps can be connected to the external surface of the jacket by a locking system and designed to hinge around the first end of each of the plurality of flexible belt straps.

BACKGROUND

Workers in various fields require quick access to tools or equipment.For example, construction workers frequently wear a tool belt aroundtheir waist or a tool suspender system. These belts permit variouspouches and tools to be attached for quick and easy access duringconstruction. Additionally, workers such as police, military personnel,or photographers require quick access to often-heavy equipment intime-sensitive situations.

Current tool belts or suspender systems have several drawbacks. In coldweather, outdoor workers typically wear a jacket in addition to a toolbelt, and the tool belt often gets in the way. For example, if theworker chooses to wear the belt over his jacket, the jacket may lift outfrom under the belt and cover the tool belt when the worker lifts hisarms up. Additionally, the tool belt may slide further down the worker'swaist, and the tools may become less accessible. Consequently, theworker must readjust his tool belt every time he lifts his arms up. Inanother example, if a worker chooses to wear the tool belt under hisjacket to ensure the tool belt is always snug, the worker must reachunder his jacket to access his tools.

One existing alternative to a tool belt is a suspender system. However,suspender systems also have drawbacks. Because the weight of all of thetools has been taken off of a belt, the weight is now placed on shoulderstraps that dig into a worker's shoulders. This creates pressure andabrasion points on the worker's shoulders. Additionally, suspendersystems frequently involve the use of several straps, which increasesthe opportunity for entanglement when a worker is in a tight space orbrushes up against non-smooth surfaces. Therefore, a new product isneeded that enables workers to efficiently access tools while stayingwarm in cold or cool weather.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed product is, generally, a load-bearing jacket with a builtin tool belt system that enables a user to mount various tool pouches tothe jacket. In one embodiment, the jacket has the tool belt systemincorporated into the jacket at the waist area, has a removable linerfor warmth in cold or cool weather, and has removable sleeves. Thedisclosed jacket ensures that a worker will stay warm while workingoutside, it decreases possibilities of entanglement on straps, and it isless likely to cause abrasion than current tool belt systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a load-bearing jacket, according to oneembodiment of the disclosed invention.

FIG. 2 is a back view of a load-bearing jacket, according to oneembodiment of the disclosed invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a load-bearing jacket, according to oneembodiment of the disclosed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a load-bearing jacket that is used toaid persons who needs to carry tools and equipment on their bodies.Various embodiments of the load-bearing jacket will be described indetail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numeralsrepresent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views.Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of theload-bearing jacket disclosed herein. Additionally, any examples setforth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merelyset forth some of the many possible embodiments for the load-bearingjacket. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions ofequivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or renderexpedient, but these are intended to cover applications or embodimentswithout departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Also, itis to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein arefor the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

In one embodiment, the disclosed load-bearing jacket can enhance ease ofaccess to various tools and equipment that are frequently carried on aperson's body if the person is employed in a field of work such asconstruction, police-work, military, or photography and will be outsidein cold or cool weather. In one embodiment, the load-bearing jacket ismade of heavy-duty cloth material and includes removable jacket sleeves102, a vest shell 104, a removable vest liner 106, an integratedconnector system 108, and an integrated tool belt system 110.

The heavy-duty cloth material used for the jacket can be duck cloth orany other heavy, plain-woven cotton or synthetic fabric. Heavy-dutycloth material is ideal because it is not prone to snagging or tearing,is able to efficiently block the wind, and is resistant to damage fromlong-term use. However, any other material that includes one, some, orall of these properties can also be used. In some embodiments, thejacket can include an external waterproof shell of synthetic materialand an internal fleece (or other insulating) liner.

The load-bearing jacket can, in some embodiments, be made of severalremovable pieces. For example, the sleeves 102 on the load-bearingjacket can be removable. These sleeves 102 may be removably connected tothe vest through the use of a connector such as, but not limited to, azipper 102 a, hook and loop fasteners, or buttons. Additionally, thesleeves 102 can be lined with an insulated liner. In some embodiments,the jacket does not have removable sleeves 102, but the sleeves 102 arestill lined with an insulated liner. The opening of the sleeves 102 atthe wrist area can have an adjustment feature 112, but may not have one.In one embodiment, the sleeves 102 can be tightened or loosened throughthe use of hook and loop fasteners attached at the wrist area of thesleeves 102. Other mechanisms may be employed for the adjustment feature112 such as buttons, snaps, buckles, hook and clasp systems, or bungees.

In one embodiment, the load-bearing jacket can have a removable vestliner 106. The vest liner 106 can be insulated, such as through the useof a quilted pattern or feathers, and can attach to the vest shell 104using connection means such as buttons, a zipper, or hook and loopfasteners. The vest shell 104 or, if the sleeves 102 are permanentlyaffixed, the jacket, can be closed by means of, for example, a zipper,buttons, snaps, buckles, a hook and loop system, or a hook and claspsystem. Further, the shell 104, the sleeves 102, or both can havepockets.

In a preferred embodiment, the jacket has an integrated connector system108 that allows the user to tighten or loosen the jacket. This systemcan be a belt-buckle system (for example, a parachute buckle) or anyother clasping system. In an example of a buckle system, as shown inFIG. 1, one end of each half of the buckle system is sewn onto thejacket, leaving the other ends free to connect with each other. One orboth ends of the buckle system 108 a, 108 b can be adjustable so thatthe jacket can be tightened or loosened at the user's waist.

In a preferred embodiment, the jacket includes an integrated tool beltsystem 110 that is connected horizontally at the waist of the vestportion of the jacket. The jacket can have a plurality of belt strapsthat make up the tool belt system 110. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a toolbelt system comprised of three belt straps, although fewer or more arepossible. FIG. 1 illustrates a tool belt system 110 wherein the front ofthe tool belt system 110 includes one belt strap on the front right sideof the jacket 110 a and one belt strap on the front left side of thejacket 110 b. FIG. 2 illustrates the back of a tool belt system 110 thatincludes one belt strap on the back of the jacket 110 c. However, thetool belt system 110 can be comprised of more than three belt straps.Further, the belt straps can be at other locations on the jacket otherthan along the waist. For example, the jacket can have at least one beltstrap at the chest level 110 d. In some embodiments, the belt straps 110a-110 d are removable, for example, through the use of a hook and loopsystem. In some embodiments, the belt straps 110 a-110 d may runvertically as opposed to horizontally.

In a preferred embodiment, the tool belt system 110 is made of beltstraps 110 a-110 d that are permanently connect to the jacket by forexample, continuous or intermittent stitches, rivets, or other permanentconnection. Each belt strap 110 a-110 d can be sewn, riveted, orotherwise permanently connected, to the jacket on one end of the beltstrap 110 a-110 d, leaving most of the length of the belt strap 110a-110 d capable of hinging around the connected end. The other end ofthe belt strap 110 a-110 d can have a locking system 114, which enablesa user to attach and detach at least one removable tool pouch 116 to thebelt strap 110 a-110 d, as illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, using thelocking system 114, a user can unlock one end of the belt strap 110a-110 d, pull the belt strap 110 a-110 d away from the user's body,slide a loop of a tool pouch 116 onto the belt strap 110 a-110 d, closethe belt strap 110 a-110 d, and lock it, thereby securing the tool pouch116 onto the belt strap 110 a-110 d. The locking system 114 can be, butis not limited to, a buckle (for example, a parachute buckle); a turnlock, as illustrated in FIG. 1; snaps; or a hook and loop system.

The belt straps 110 a-110 d of the tool belt system 110, in a preferredembodiment, are rigid due to the inclusion of, for example, a plasticpiece or boning within a flexible part of the belt strap 110 a-110 d.The flexible portion of the belt strap 110 a-110 d can be made of nylonor another tough, flexible material. The flexible portion of the beltstrap 110 a-110 d can, in one embodiment, encompass the rigid, plasticpiece or the boning. Alternatively, the rigid portion of the belt strap110 a-110 d can be attached to the outside material of the flexibleportion.

In one embodiment, padded straps 118 can be sewn onto the jacket, on theinside or the outside of the jacket, to act as a barrier between thebelt straps 110 a-110 d and the user, thus ensuring more comfort for theuser. The padded straps 118 can be continuously or intermittently sewnon, or otherwise permanently connected, to the jacket. However, in apreferred embodiment, the padded straps 118 are not continuously sewnon, or otherwise completely connected, to the jacket so as to ensureless rigidity. In the case of an intermittent connection, the paddedstraps 118 can be connected similarly to how the belt straps 110 a-110 dare connected, wherein only the ends of the padded strap 118 are sewn,or otherwise permanently connected, to the jacket. However, unlike thebelt straps 110 a-110 d, the padded straps 118 may not be capable ofpivoting because both ends may be sewn, or otherwise permanentlyconnected, to the jacket. In another embodiment, the padded straps 118can attach and detach through a physical attachment system such as, butnot limited to, buttons, snaps, buckles, zippers, a hook and loopsystem, or a hook and clasp system. In some embodiments, the lockingsystem 114 of each belt strap 110 a-110 d can penetrate from the base ofthe jacket through the corresponding padded strap 118 and belt strap 110a-110 d. In other embodiments, the locking system 114 of the belt strap110 a-110 d can be permanently affixed to the outward facing portion ofthe padded straps 118.

The disclosed invention is capable of keeping a user warm during cold orcool weather. Further, due to the integrated belt 110 a-110 d and paddedstraps 118, there are fewer straps and the tool belt system 110 is lesslikely to be entangled on foreign objects. Additionally, the disclosedload-bearing jacket is more comfortable than current jackets thatrequire a separate belt or suspender system because any movement of theuser results in coordinated movement of the jacket and tool belt system110.

ASPECTS

1. A load-bearing jacket comprising:

-   -   a jacket; and    -   an integrated tool belt system connected to the jacket;    -   wherein:        -   the integrated tool belt system is comprised of:            -   a plurality of flexible belt straps; and            -   a plurality of rigid pieces, each rigid piece paired                with a corresponding flexible belt strap to enhance the                rigidity of the plurality of flexible belt straps;        -   each of the plurality of flexible belt straps has two ends,            wherein a first end of each of the plurality of flexible            belt straps is permanently connected to the jacket and a            second end of each of the plurality of flexible belt straps            is connected to an external surface of the jacket by a            locking system and is designed to hinge around the first end            of each of the plurality of flexible belt straps.

2. The load-bearing jacket of claim 1, wherein the integrated tool beltsystem includes at least three flexible belt straps connectedhorizontally and in line with each other near a user's waistline.

3. The load-bearing jacket of claim 2, wherein:

-   -   a first flexible belt strap is located on a front right side of        the jacket;    -   a second flexible belt strap is located on a front left side of        the jacket; and    -   a third flexible belt strap is located on a back of the jacket.

4. The load-bearing jacket of claim 3, further comprising at least onebelt strap near a user's chest.

5. The load-bearing jacket of claim 1, wherein the locking systemenables a removable tool pouch to be secured to at least one of theplurality of flexible belt straps by unlocking the at least one of theplurality of flexible belt straps from the jacket, rotating the at leastone of the plurality of flexible belt straps away from the jacket,sliding an opening of the removable tool pouch onto the at least one ofthe plurality of flexible belt straps, rotating the at least one of theplurality of flexible belt straps toward the jacket, and locking the atleast one of the plurality of flexible belt straps to the jacket.

6. The load-bearing jacket of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality ofrigid pieces is encompassed within its corresponding flexible beltstrap.

7. The load-bearing jacket of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality ofrigid pieces is attached to an outside portion of its correspondingflexible belt strap.

8. The load-bearing jacket of claim 1, further comprising a plurality ofpadded straps, wherein each of the plurality of padded straps is:

-   -   similar in shape and size to a corresponding flexible belt        straps, and    -   located between the external surface of the jacket and the        corresponding flexible belt straps.

9. The load-bearing jacket of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality ofpadded straps has a first end and a second end connected to the jacketand a middle portion not connected to the jacket, thereby leaving a gapbetween the external surface of the jacket and each of the plurality ofpadded straps.

10. The load-bearing jacket of claim 9, wherein the first and secondends of the plurality of padded straps are permanently connected to thejacket.

11. The load-bearing jacket of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality offlexible belt straps are permanently connected to their correspondingpadded straps on the first end and removably connected to theircorresponding padded straps on the second end by the locking system.

12. The load-bearing jacket of claim 1, further comprising:

-   -   an outer layer made of heavy-duty material;    -   removable jacket sleeves;    -   a vest shell; and    -   a removable vest liner.

13. The load-bearing jacket of claim 12, wherein the heavy-duty materialis selected from the group consisting of a heavy, plain-woven fabric, aduck cloth fabric, and combinations thereof.

14. The load-bearing jacket of claim 12, further comprising an external,waterproof shell and an insulating liner.

15. The load-bearing jacket of claim 1, further comprising an integratedconnector system connected horizontally near a user's waistline whenworn in an upright position.

16. The load-bearing jacket of claim 15, wherein the integratedconnector system includes an adjustable attachment point between leftand right sides of the jacket enabling the jacket to adjust in size.

17. The load-bearing jacket of claim 16, wherein the integratedconnector system is a belt-buckle system having a first buckle half anda second buckle half, and:

-   -   the first buckle half and the second buckle half each have a        first end fixedly attached to the jacket;    -   the first buckle half has a second end connected to a male        portion of a belt buckle;    -   the second buckle half has a second end connected to a female        portion of the belt buckle; and    -   at least one of the first buckle half or the second buckle half        is adjustable to enable the jacket to be tighter or looser.

18. The load-bearing jacket of claim 15, wherein the integratedconnector system is adjustable and is selected from the group consistingof a snap system, a hook system, a metal loop system, and combinationsthereof.

19. A method of securing a removable tool pouch to an integrated toolbelt system on a load-bearing jacket, the method comprising:

-   -   using a locking system to unlock a first end of a flexible belt        strap, the flexible belt strap further comprising:        -   a middle portion not connected to the load-bearing jacket;            and        -   a second end permanently affixed to an external surface of            the load-bearing jacket;    -   rotating the first end of the flexible belt strap and a rigid        piece that is paired with the flexible belt strap away from the        locking system, the locking system being attached to the        external surface of the load-bearing jacket;    -   sliding an opening of the removable tool pouch past the first        end of the flexible strap and onto the middle portion of the        flexible belt strap;    -   rotating the first end of the flexible belt strap toward the        locking system;    -   using the locking system to lock the first end of the flexible        belt strap in place.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein:

-   -   the rigid piece is encompassed within the flexible belt strap;        and    -   a padded strap, having a similar shape and size to the flexible        belt strap, is paired with the flexible belt strap and located        between the external surface of the load-bearing jacket and the        flexible belt strap.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way ofillustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimsattached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize variousmodifications and changes that may be made without following the exampleembodiments and applications illustrated and described herein andwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A load-bearing jacket comprising: a jacket; and an integrated tool belt system connected to the jacket; wherein: the integrated tool belt system is comprised of: a plurality of flexible belt straps; and a plurality of rigid pieces, each rigid piece paired with a corresponding flexible belt strap to enhance the rigidity of the plurality of flexible belt straps; each of the plurality of flexible belt straps has two ends, wherein a first end of each of the plurality of flexible belt straps is permanently connected to the jacket and a second end of each of the plurality of flexible belt straps is connected to an external surface of the jacket by a locking system and is designed to hinge around the first end of each of the plurality of flexible belt straps.
 2. The load-bearing jacket of claim 1, wherein the integrated tool belt system includes at least three flexible belt straps connected horizontally and in line with each other near a user's waistline.
 3. The load-bearing jacket of claim 2, wherein: a first flexible belt strap is located on a front right side of the jacket; a second flexible belt strap is located on a front left side of the jacket; and a third flexible belt strap is located on a back of the jacket.
 4. The load-bearing jacket of claim 3, further comprising at least one belt strap near a user's chest.
 5. The load-bearing jacket of claim 1, wherein the locking system enables a removable tool pouch to be secured to at least one of the plurality of flexible belt straps by unlocking the at least one of the plurality of flexible belt straps from the jacket, rotating the at least one of the plurality of flexible belt straps away from the jacket, sliding an opening of the removable tool pouch onto the at least one of the plurality of flexible belt straps, rotating the at least one of the plurality of flexible belt straps toward the jacket, and locking the at least one of the plurality of flexible belt straps to the jacket.
 6. The load-bearing jacket of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of rigid pieces is encompassed within its corresponding flexible belt strap.
 7. The load-bearing jacket of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of rigid pieces is attached to an outside portion of its corresponding flexible belt strap.
 8. The load-bearing jacket of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of padded straps, wherein each of the plurality of padded straps is: similar in shape and size to a corresponding flexible belt strap, and located between the external surface of the jacket and the corresponding flexible belt straps.
 9. The load-bearing jacket of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of padded straps has a first end and a second end connected to the jacket and a middle portion not connected to the jacket, thereby leaving a gap between the external surface of the jacket and each of the plurality of padded straps.
 10. The load-bearing jacket of claim 9, wherein the first and second ends of the plurality of padded straps are permanently connected to the jacket.
 11. The load-bearing jacket of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of flexible belt straps are permanently connected to their corresponding padded straps on the first end and removably connected to their corresponding padded straps on the second end by the locking system.
 12. The load-bearing jacket of claim 1, further comprising: an outer layer made of heavy-duty material; removable jacket sleeves; a vest shell; and a removable vest liner.
 13. The load-bearing jacket of claim 12, wherein the heavy-duty material is selected from the group consisting of a heavy, plain-woven fabric, a duck cloth fabric, and combinations thereof.
 14. The load-bearing jacket of claim 12, further comprising an external, waterproof shell and an insulating liner.
 15. The load-bearing jacket of claim 1, further comprising an integrated connector system connected horizontally near a user's waistline when worn in an upright position.
 16. The load-bearing jacket of claim 15, wherein the integrated connector system includes an adjustable attachment point between left and right sides of the jacket enabling the jacket to adjust in size.
 17. The load-bearing jacket of claim 16, wherein the integrated connector system is a belt-buckle system having a first buckle half and a second buckle half, and: the first buckle half and the second buckle half each have a first end fixedly attached to the jacket; the first buckle half has a second end connected to a male portion of a belt buckle; the second buckle half has a second end connected to a female portion of the belt buckle; and at least one of the first buckle half or the second buckle half is adjustable to enable the jacket to be tighter or looser.
 18. The load-bearing jacket of claim 15, wherein the integrated connector system is adjustable and is selected from the group consisting of a snap system, a hook system, a metal loop system, and combinations thereof.
 19. A method of securing a removable tool pouch to an integrated tool belt system on a load-bearing jacket, the method comprising: using a locking system to unlock a first end of a flexible belt strap, the flexible belt strap further comprising: a middle portion not connected to the load-bearing jacket; and a second end permanently affixed to an external surface of the load-bearing jacket; rotating the first end of the flexible belt strap and a rigid piece that is paired with the flexible belt strap away from the locking system, the locking system being attached to the external surface of the load-bearing jacket; sliding an opening of the removable tool pouch past the first end of the flexible strap and onto the middle portion of the flexible belt strap; rotating the first end of the flexible belt strap toward the locking system; using the locking system to lock the first end of the flexible belt strap in place.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein: the rigid piece is encompassed within the flexible belt strap; and a padded strap, having a similar shape and size to the flexible belt strap, is paired with the flexible belt strap and located between the external surface of the load-bearing jacket and the flexible belt strap. 